KINGSTON, R.I. — January 8, 2018 — The University of Rhode Island Theatre Department is seeking child actors to audition for its 2018 production of Walt Disney’s classic tale “Mary Poppins.” The auditions are open to the public. To register, call the URI Theatre Department at (401) 874-5921 or visit the theatre office on the second floor of the Fine Arts Center, 105 Upper College Road, Kingston.
The Theatre Department needs two actors to fill the roles of Jane Banks, age 11, and Michael Banks, age 9, for the play by Cameron Mackintosh, with original music and lyrics by Richard M. Sherman and Robert B. Sherman, book by Julian Fellowes, with new songs, music and lyrics by George Stiles and Anthony Drewe.
Jane is described as the high-spirited daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Banks. She is bright and precocious but can be willful and inclined to snobbishness. Actors should have a vocal range of A3 to F#5.
Michael is the cute and cheeky son of Mr. and Mrs. Banks. Excitable and naughty, he adores his father and tries to be like him. Both he and Jane misbehave to get the attention of their parents. Actors should have a vocal range of A3 to E5.
This family musical features delightful songs from the popular Disney film including, “A Spoonful of Sugar,” “Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious” and “Chim Chim Cher-ee.” The stories of Mary Poppins have captivated audiences for generations, and now the enchanting tale, unforgettable songs and breathtaking dance numbers will dazzle and delight theatre patrons of all ages.
Actors are required to prepare one vocal selection from a musical, excluding songs from “Mary Poppins.” Auditions will take place in 4-minute time slots. Please call the URI Theatre office at (401) 874-5921 to schedule a private audition time. Actors are asked to arrive 15 minutes prior to their audition so a parent or guardian may sign in and fill out an information form, which will include any potential rehearsal conflicts. Head shots and resumes are appreciated, but not required. Visit uri.edu/theatre and click the “audition information” link to learn more.
Auditions will be held in the G Studio of Fine Arts on Feb. 4, from 1 to 5 p.m. Callbacks will be held Feb. 11 from 1 to 5 p.m. at the same location. Actors will receive callback notices via email and phone from the production stage manager. Rehearsals will begin the third week of February.
Rehearsals will start the third week of February and will be held in the evenings on weekdays (excluding Mondays) and afternoons on weekends. A detailed schedule will be provided on a weekly basis by the production stage manager.
Performances begin April 20 in the Robert E. Will Theatre.
URI Theatre is committed to an environment of inclusion and diversity. Auditions are open to any student, staff member, or faculty member of the University of Rhode Island, as well as any member of the community. Non-traditional and equal-opportunity casting is encouraged.